Bathing your baby for the first time can be quite exciting. Such a small and delicate little one, and you're often doing it for the first time! Don't worry, together with Kraamzorg de Kraamvogel we've created a 5-step plan to make it all a bit easier.
The first bath
In the first 24 hours, babies are not washed, not even in the hospital. This is to preserve the white natural skin layer, the vernix caseosa. It contains fats and proteins that give the skin an extra barrier in the first hours outside the womb. But what if your baby is already home? How often do you bathe him or her then? In the beginning, bathing 2 times a week is more than enough. After that, you can do it every other day or every 2 days.
Step 1: preparation
Place your baby on a safe spot, such as in a baby nest or in the playpen. Set everything you need ready beforehand: in the bathroom the bath, a washcloth and a gentle bath oil or wash gel and a nice towel. In the room on the changing table, lay out a hydrophilic cloth, a gentle oil or cream, a clean diaper and clothes.
Step 2: prepare the bath
Fill the bath with lukewarm water (37 degrees), add a few drops of mild bath oil and mix it with water. If your little one is already a few weeks old, you can also use a gentle baby wash gel on a washcloth to clean the dirtier spots or hair well. Undress your baby and, as long as he or she is not in the water, drape a hydrophilic cloth over the body. Newborn babies lose their warmth quickly, so an extra layer won't hurt.
Step 3: in the bath
Lift your baby, support the head and buttocks well and place him or her slowly in the water. You'll see that your baby relaxes. Keep supporting the head - for example in the crook of your elbow - and use your other hand to wash your little one. Don't forget to clean the folds under the armpits, behind the knees and in the neck well with a washcloth.
Step 4: drying & caring
After 5 to 10 minutes, lift your little one out of the bath and lift him or her in the towel to the changing table. Pat your little one dry with the hydrophilic cloth and especially make sure the folds are dry, as leftover moisture can easily cause diaper rash. Water can also easily dry out baby skin, so after bathing you can apply a baby oil or a rich cream to the skin.
Step 5: dressing & cuddles
Put a fresh diaper and clean clothes on your little one, and give him or her a big hug. Et voilà: you have a clean, lovely smelling baby!
Extra tips
Choose a fixed time for the bath, this contributes to a good rhythm for your child.
See the care ritual that follows the bath itself as a moment of bonding - you can cuddle nicely with your little one while you rub him or her, or give a short baby massage.
Also always check your child's bottom. Is it red or flaky? Then you can immediately apply a diaper cream.
